Lemony Wild Rice Pear Salad

If I had a dollar for every time someone compliments me on my creative abilities and in the same breath proclaims their own deficit of creativity, I would be rich. In fact, I identify with most people who don’t feel creative themselves. It has taken years to develop my creativity and skills. I always encourage people to not judge themselves for their perceived lack of creativity…it’s like a muscle. The more you work it, the easier it becomes!

Just like drawing, sculpture, and writing, I truly believe that cooking can be a creative form of art. In fact, it’s one of my favorite ways to stretch my creativity muscle. This is because I not only get to style the food to look visually beautiful and appealing, but I also get to experience of texture and taste. How delightful to experience art with multiple senses!

One of the simplest types of recipes on which to experiement and get creative are salads. Especially as someone who eats almost completely plant-based, getting creative with salads is super fun. What is in season? What flavors go well together? Recently, I came up with this beauty: lemony wild rice pear salad. It’s a winner, friends!

Feel free to follow this recipe exactly, add to it, take things out, or replace things. It’s all good in the salad building world! I intentionally paired the nutty and substantial wild rice and the tangy lemon garlic vinaigrette with the sweet pears to create a delicious juxtaposition of flavors-yum! The toasted pecans on top add even more delicious flavor and nutrition. If you are feeling fancy, feel free to candy them before dotting them on top of this delicious salad. It’s great as a large lunch salad, or a side to dinner.